My My My

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Reviews of LITTLE CAT PLAYS THE ALPHA RAVE
fueled by rich interplay between the voices of Baylin and Sarah Snow, along with driving pop-rock rhythms dripping in Midwestern sensibility. My My My has drawn comparisons to the much-loved New Pornographers -- high, but certainly deserved, praise. -Kyle Koster, Chicago Sun-Times
There's something about a record with a kitten playing a toy piano on the cover that makes you want to like it.Fortunately, the music on local band My My My's latest record, "Little Cat Plays the Alpha Rave," is as likable as the album art. Although the band has only been in existence since 2007, "Little Cat" is their third effort, preceded by "Theme Songs for Your Melancholy" and "Conjugation Nation."The band has been lauded as Chicago's version of the New Pornographers, and that's an appropriate description. Like the Canadian mainstays of thinking man's pop, My My My is full of charm with boy-girl vocals, strange song titles and strong, unpredictable-yet-catchy melodies.The driving force behind My My My is singer-songwriter Russell Baylin, who delivers rocking cuts such as opener "So, You Like Italo-Disco" and "Best Laid Plans" with gusto. The songs are made even better with the complementary sweet vocals of Sarah Snow, who brings another highlight to the disc in the acoustic, chilled out "Boom Boom," which allows her a genuine Neko Case moment.Other notable tracks include "Palisades," featuring a cool sped up chorus out of nowhere that sort of reminds me of fellow Chicago band Skybox, the bizarrely captivating "A Blind Salamander Came to Town and Tapped His Way Into Their Hearts" and the melodic, upbeat closer "Aztec vs. Building." There's even a brief, strangely addictive eponymous track, in which the little cat does just what the title says."Little Cat" is a fully-realized, confident record that plays like the work of a band with not only strong musical talent and intelligence, but also a sense of humor - something all too rare in indie music today. The record takes a few spins to really stick, but once it worms its way into your mind you'll find a consistently enjoyable and satisfying collection of quirky, smart pop tunes with long-term appeal. -Frank Krolicki, Chicago Rock Music Examiner
Who doesn't loves kittens and toy piano's? Well it is clear that singer/songwriter Russell Baylin is a fan, and as his latest band My My My prepares to release their first album, Little Cat Plays the Alpha Rave, you can't help but smile at that cute little kitten. My My My claims to be suitable for fans of the supergroup New Pornographers, and that is not completely off target, but there are clearly a few more influences in Baylin's sound. His voice has a depth and clarity that is very distinctive and enjoyable, and when mixed with the beautiful harmonies of Sarah Snow the results are magnetic. A perfect example of this can be found on bouncy duet "Middle Age Hardware and Youthful Indiscretions", which has me spinning in circles and jumping up and down. Where the rhythms generally stay up beat, the mood of the album shifts between light and dark, but it can all be shiny kittens and toy pianos. Ultimately, Baylin is one of the strongest unsigned singer/songwriters that I have heard in quite sometime, and Little Cat Plays the Alpha Rave is an album worth checking out. -Jason Behrends, Gapers Block
Power pop never goes away, especially here in the Midwest, where big chords and bigger melodies continue to influence our indie, punk and emo acts. It’s certainly felt in My My My, a well-oiled quintet not even two years old but already on release number three. The group incorporates modern touches via occasional electronics, but their New Pornographers-ish indie pop exists for gleaming hooks and cozy boy/girl harmonies courtesy of singers Russell Baylin and Sarah Snow. Highlights include the buoyant energy of opener “So, You Like Italo-Disco,” the powerful guitar pop of “Middle Age Hardware and Youthful Indiscretions” and “Best Laid Plans,” and the moderately paced charms of “Palisades” and “Turn Your Bright Ideas Into Action.” My My My’s acumen for upbeat songcraft cannot be disputed. -Jeff Pizek, Daily Herald